Any recommended trailer ball mounts?

[Turaven]

I have the factory trailer hitch. Looking into getting a small travel trailer. With the one ball mount I have laying around from my old truck I'm going to have very tight clearances with the spare tire. I'm wondering if there are any good options floating around for dealing specifically with the spare tire, or if just removing the spare and putting it in the Jeep while towing is the best option.

The one I have is pretty standard length with a 2" drop. The main options seem to be dropping it even more (which doesn't give much extra clearance for tongue jack handles) or getting a hitch extender. I don't have a lift so I'd think a 4"+ drop would be excessive. The extender would definitely work, but I don't like the idea of using extra leverage to add more stress to the light-duty hitch. The trailer I'm specifically looking at only has a hitch weight of 120 so it should be more than fine. They seem to extend way more than necessary.

Any suggestions? I've done zero towing with the Wrangler and I'd like to hit the ground with some knawledge before I jackknife into my spare tire.

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[BDinTX]

A couple of other possible alternatives:
Using a different spare tire carrier might give you more clearance between the hitch and the spare.
Teraflex Jeep JL Heavy-Duty Tire Carrier|Northridge4x4

Using a different type of hitch might work with the clearance you have.*
Lock N Roll | Articulating Trailer Hitches

* I don't know anything about this particular hitch.

I'd also want to avoid a hitch extender or drop.

 

[JJ_WA]

Amazon offers some options for extended hitches: https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Trailer-Hitch/s?k=Extended+Trailer+Hitch

As does eTrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Extended+Ball+Mount&furl=-vw-1-pg-Trailer_Hitch_Ball_Mount

I'll be looking for one when my Willys finally arrives. So be sure to let us know what you decide upon and how it goes.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Amazon offers some options for extended hitches: https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Trailer-Hitch/s?k=Extended+Trailer+Hitch

As does eTrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Extended+Ball+Mount&furl=-vw-1-pg-Trailer_Hitch_Ball_Mount

I'll be looking for one when my Willys finally arrives. So be sure to let us know what you decide upon and how it goes.

It is best to avoid an extender if at all possible. Do research tongue weight / lever affect.

I totally disagree in the earlier comment to avoid a hitch "drop".

 

[BDinTX]

I'm saying I'd avoid a hitch drop because his 2" drop doesn't give him enough clearance.
Using a drop to do anything besides correctly positioning the trailer tongue height I think is a bad idea. Particularly on a stock jeep with soft springs which makes it that much more likely his hitch hits the ground. But to each their own.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I'm saying I'd avoid a hitch drop because his 2" drop doesn't give him enough clearance.
Using a drop to do anything besides correctly positioning the trailer tongue height I think is a bad idea. Particularly on a stock jeep with soft springs which makes it that much more likely his hitch hits the ground. But to each their own.

Not belaboring the point... maybe we are saying the same thing .. but..

When you have a tall vehicle, you have to use a drop hitch, that is a given.

Sure, if you do not need a drop or raise to get trailer tongue level that is great but not the norm.

The specific vehicle / specific trailer .... the combo determines the proper, safe and sane, tow set-up.

With every set-up there are a few variables. A guy/gal that tows different trailers needs, should have a drop hitch in their arsenal.

 

[JJ_WA]

It is best to avoid an extender if at all possible. Do research tongue weight / lever affect.

I totally disagree in the earlier comment to avoid a hitch "drop".

Agreed. To get past the spare tire, if the trailer tongue doesn't provide the length needed to safely clear the tire or other obstacles when turning an extended hitch can be used. You're right, of course, to verify the capabilities of the extension along with tongue weight and the effect the extension might cause.

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